Riding Instruction at Camp 

Riding at Chincapin Camp: a RICH TRADITIOn

Chincapin Camp, founded in 1957, focuses on the fundamentals of English riding, emphasizing safety and horsemanship. Our dependable lesson horses, alongside experienced instructors, create a fun and positive learning environment for every camper.

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced rider looking to hone your skills, our experienced staff makes our camp the place to ride! For summer camp horseback riding, check out Chincapin Camp and learn more about spring and fall lessons below.

Winter Programs

On the Ground with Horses

Explore the fundamentals of working with horses in our Winter Series Session: On the Ground with Horses. This 4 part series is perfect for anyone looking to enhance their skills and build confidence on the ground with horses.

Each session of this Chincapin Barn program series will occur on Saturday mornings, once a month, November - February.

4 Saturdays, 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.:

November 8th
December 13th
January 10th
February 21st

Where: Tannerwood Farms (Chincapin Barn)

Cost: $75 and comes with free tuition to our Lake Erie College Clinic in March (Info below)

This program is hands-on with our horses in the barn, focusing fully on groundwork techniques designed to deepen your connection with and understanding of these magnificent animals.

Day at the Barn Nov 22nd

Ever wonder what it’s like to work at a barn? Our Day at the Barn workshop is designed just for Red Oak campers—young girls and boys eager to experience a "day in the life" of caring for horses and managing a barn. This nature-based, hands-on experience at Red Oak Camp will help campers learn the ins and outs of barn work, all while having fun outdoors!

When: November 22nd 1:00-3:30 pm

Where: Tannerwood Farms (Chincapin Barn)

Cost: $30

Lake Erie College Horsemanship Clinic

For the first time ever, Lake Erie College is offering a special clinic for Red Oak Camp campers!  The Lake Erie College staff and students will put on this clinic. Join this great team and learn even more about horses. 

Where: Lake Erie College Equestrian Center, 8031 Morley Road, Mentor, OH 44060

When: Saturday, March 14, 2026, 10:00 AM - Noon

Cost: $25 per family - If your camper attended the Winter Series: On the Ground with Horses (4-part series), this clinic is FREE

Riding Lessons

We offer riding lesson sessions each Spring and Fall. We also schedule private lessons all school year. We work with all types of riders from a wide range of skill levels and ages. Adults also enjoy our lessons!

Our riding instructors ensure a tailored experience, uniting participants with suitable horses.
Riding lessons are offered in multi-week sessions. Riders will be grouped based on skill. Our riding instructor team will create lesson groups matching riders with appropriate horses. We are happy to accommodate private lessons.

Fall Lesson Session

Lesson Schedule: Sep 8th - Oct 25th (7 weeks)
Monday - Friday: 4:30 PM - 5:45 PM (Private lessons can be scheduled at your convenience just ask about a time outside of the ones offered)

Saturday:
8:30 AM - 9:45 AM
10:00 AM - 11:15 AM
11:45 PM -  1:00 PM
1:15 PM - 2:30 PM
2:45 PM - 4:00 PM

To apply for lessons, please fill out the form below. After you complete the form, our team will do our best to accommodate your schedule and contact you directly to enroll your camper.

Summer Riding Programs 2025!

Acorns Rising 1st - 2nd graders.

• Two experiences at the barn each week, one of which includes a mounted riding lesson.

Chincapin Riders Rising 3rd - 7th graders.

• Three mounted lessons each week. Campers will be grouped by riding ability.

The “Barn Bunch” 3rd - 10th graders - see requirements below

• Barn Bunch Campers spend their mornings at the Chincapin Equestrian Center, with four mounted lessons and five ground lessons each week—lots of time in the saddle and the barn to bond with the ponies and their friends, learning and making memories together. These independent riders, grouped by ability, want to take their skills to the next level. These equestrians will be deeply involved in horse care and barn management, learning from and loving their time together at Chincapin! Afternoons are spent at Basecamp for all the other fun activities, including swimming, canoeing, ropes course, woodshop, crafts, and more!

  • Requirements for The Barn Bunch: 

    • This program requires a minimum attendance of three camp weeks, preferably consecutive weeks, to build skills and bonds. 

    • Space is highly limited, with no more than seven riders per group.

    • This program will cost an additional $100 per week. Fees for this program can be added in the ‘additional options’ section.